Background: Zearalenone (ZEA) is particularly toxic to the reproductive system, resulting in uterine enlargement, alterations to the reproductive tract, decreased fertility, and changes in the levels of ovarian hormones in laboratory animals. Inhibiting ovarian activity (an agonist) is one way that ZEA and its metabolites can bind to the oestrogen receptors (ERs) and affect both animal and human reproductive behaviour. The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxicity effect of zearalenone on ovarian biochemical and histological changes.

Methods: Animals were divided into two groups (N= 12); Control and ZEA group: orally intoxicated by a dose of 2.7mg/kg. b.w. The biochemical and histological changes were reported for two groups and statistically analyzed.

Results: Estrogenic mycotoxin increases the level of CA-125, and Caspase-3 and decreases the level of Progesterone. Histologically there is deformity and degeneration of ovarian follicles and corpus luteal with increased inter-follicular fibrosis.

In conclusion: ZEA caused toxicological effects including abnormal hormone levels and biomarkers in the female rats.